10 Most Surprising PPV Headliners In WWE History

1. John Laurinaitis - Over The Limit 2012

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By the time Over The Limit 2012 had arrived, John Laurinaitis was 49 years old and had retired from active competition 12 years earlier. Meanwhile, John Cena was 35 years old and in the prime of his career - quite the mismatch to say the least.

Nevertheless, the bout itself went over 17 minutes and consisted primarily of comedy spots, as Cena gave his superior a hefty beating. When considering that Daniel Bryan battled CM Punk for the WWE Championship on the undercard, how this match closed the show is anyone's guess.

Luckily, the bout was booked as a 'No DQ' match, which opened up the parameters considerably. As a result, the bout was better than it deserved to be, if not an interesting bit of evidence for detractors of WWE's own anti-bullying campaign.

Just when it looked like "People Power" was done for, the former Johnny Ace shocked the world. With a gigantic assist from an interfering Big Show, Laurinaitis turned the tables and defeated the future 17-time World Champion.

Who would have thought that five years later, with Cena engaged to Nikki Bella and Ace married to the Bella Twins' mother, these two combatants would be on course to become part of the same extended family?

Only in the wrestling business.

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Occasional wrestler, full-time gym rat and lifelong lover of the grapple game. Would probably buy you a shot of Jack at the bar in exchange for witty banter...and preferably more Jack. @MartynGrant88 for more wrestling-related musings and weight room wisecracks!